Mallorca North & West Tourism Guide - S'Albufera Nature Park

Biodiversity at S'Alburfera

Without water, S'Albufera would not exist. Fortunately, although this is threatened, at the moment it has water aplenty which ensures favourable conditions for vegetation growth and variety according to the depth of water, proximity of the sea and type of terrain. The range of plant species gives cover and food to many animals and plants, which in turn are food for many more. S'Albufera's suite of ecosystems supports the greatest biodiversity of any site in the Balearics.

Where does S'Albufera's water come from. Much of it comes from rain falling on some 640 square kilometres of north and central Mallorca, by way of seasonal streams ("torrents") and springs from subterranean aquifers, known as "ullals". A relatively small amount of seawater intrusion in summer has a particular effect on the vegetation and fauna.

The seagrass is the great thing! The expansive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow found in the Alcudia Bay is well recognised for its role in sedimentary processes and this species is endemic to the Mediterranean. The meadows at S'Albufera support a large growths of this seagrass. As a result of the role of the Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow in sedimentary processes, the biotope provides an important hydrodynamic barrier, thus protecting the beaches and coastal dunes against erosion. Good job they recognised this in the 1980s and saved this sublime nature area from development!

Protecting the S'Alburfera Wetlands

In recent years concern has been centred around the protection of the sublime S'Albufera de Mallorca Nature Park, the most important wetlands area in the Balearics. According to representatives at the nature park, "Intense urban and tourist developments constitute the major socio-economic system along the north-east border of S'Albufera and shoreline of Alcudia bay, primarly in areas formerly occupied by coastal dunes. Since 1955 tourism has been in a constant state of growth in Mallorca, with 3 periods of rapid increase recognized as the three "tourist explosions" from 1955-1973, 1973-1989 and finally 1989-1999 (Salamanca and Rodriguez, 1999)".

This is a most important area in the north of Majorca, as the wetlands are home to seagrasses which protect both beaches and coastal dunes from erosion. The expansive Posidonia oceanica seagrass meadow which is found in the Alcudia Bay is known for its role in sedimentary processes, and many studies have shown that this species of seagrass, which is endemic to the Mediterranean, provides an important hydrodynamic barrier, protecting the beaches and coastal dunes against erosion.

Unfortunately the Alcudia wetlands site is within a growing tourist region in Majorca, as well as being adjacent to an area where agriculture is intensifying. Both these aspects are putting pressure on freshwater resources and S'Albufera's coastal wetland ecosystem. There is concern that these factors will induce changes in ecological processes and biodiversity in coastal wetlands, even though the wetlands are an officially protected conservation area. The area is an internationally protected area for wild birds. Many come for just part of the year to escape the colder north, and many stop off on their migratory travels, including garganey, ruff and other waders. Some just come for the occasional visit such as cranes, glossy ibis or spoonbills.

If it hadn't been for the Regional Government in Majorca taking action in the 1980s to save these wetlands from tourist development, recognising the fundamental importance of the biodiversity of the area, then we would see today this area covered in Majorca golf courses, Mallorca hotels and fast food outlets. This area is home to considerable wildlife, particularly birds who come for the food and shelter provided by the many canals and lagoons. There are 200 types of birds visiting these wetlands, including egrets, sandpipers and warblers, and 61 species of birds breed in this park. There is more, the park is home to 8 species of bat, 66 species of funghi, and 29 species of fish. Not to mention the flowers and fauna. Spring is a wonderful time to visit with the blooming of wild flowers.

S'Albufera de Mallorca Visitor Information

Visiting hours at the Park are from 09.00h to 18.00h between 1st April and 30th September, and from 09.00h to 17.00h between 1st October and 31st March. You'll need a visiting permit which you can get free (the park is free to enter) at the Reception Centre. For group visits a special permit is required and this must be applied for in advance, please enquire at the Reception Centre (open 09.00h to 16.00). Check the superb website for the S'Alburfera Nature Park (link to the right), where you'll find lists of birds and other wildlife you can see and a good map of the park, as well as plenty more information on it's history, and international importance as a conservation area, especially for wild birds.

Access to the park is by either bicycle or on foot. Cars can be parked in the side-streets of residential areas adjacent to the park entrance (Englishmen's Bridge) or in the dedicated parking area opposite the Hotel Parc Natural. People with mobility problems should seek special access arrangements by telephoning the Park. (+34 971 89 22 50 - 9 to 16h. only).

There are some rules in the park which should be noted, helping visitors to ensure the continued preservation of this area. "Respect nature and the values which have made this protected area possible. The gathering of flowers, plants, animals or their remains is not permitted. Always move around using the paths indicated, at slow speed on bicycles and respect the existing signposting. Bicycles with more than two wheels are not permitted. Respect the Park's visiting hours. Noise disturbs animals and the other visitors. Move around the park in silence. It is not permitted to eat in the hides or to have picnics in the Park. In all cases, occupy the tables at Sa Roca for brief periods only. Sporting activities are not permitted in the Park (jogging, horse riding, mountain biking, etc). Domestic animals (especially dogs) frighten the fauna. Their entrance to the Park is not permitted. In the case of a breach of regulations Park personnel may revoke the visiting permit. Share in the Conservation of the park by making known to us any suggestions you have for the improvement of this protected natural area". (S'Albufera Website)

If you're staying in the Bay of Alcudia, the S'Albufera Wetlands are easily accessible and not to be missed.